Advice on a boat purchase

[Rick1865]

I'm not a seasoned boater and new to the area (Galveston). I'm looking at a 23 ft. 2005 Hydra Sport Lightening Series with a 200 HP Yamaha (750 hrs). I expect my fishing to be approximately 60% Bay and 40% offshore. I'm concerned that the boat my be underpowered since it's rated for up to a 300hp. Haven't done a sea trial yet.

Alternatively, I'm considering a 2014 Sea Hunt 234 with a 250 hp Yamaha (78 hours) for a LOT more money.

Regardless of the one I buy I'll likely keep it in the stack facility at the Galveston Yacht Club so any feedback on that facility would be welcome too.

Any feedback on these boats would be appreciated.

Thanks

[plugger]

Someone should have some information. Probably not as many viewings due to the holiday weekend .

[evansmarine]

200hp on the hydra sport is definitely under powered. The Seahunt is better powered, but not as good of a riding boat.

I'm not a seasoned boater and new to the area (Galveston). I'm looking at a 23 ft. 2005 Hydra Sport Lightening Series with a 200 HP Yamaha (750 hrs). I expect my fishing to be approximately 60% Bay and 40% offshore. I'm concerned that the boat my be underpowered since it's rated for up to a 300hp. Haven't done a sea trial yet.

Alternatively, I'm considering a 2014 Sea Hunt 234 with a 250 hp Yamaha (78 hours) for a LOT more money.

Regardless of the one I buy I'll likely keep it in the stack facility at the Galveston Yacht Club so any feedback on that facility would be welcome too.

Any feedback on these boats would be appreciated.

Thanks

[DocHoliday]

Can't comment on the hull other than to say if you are thinking West Bay think skinny water. I've run a Yami 250 on my 21 Blazer bay and have no complaints. It'll get me up to 40kts and is reliable. Have your mechanic plug in to the engine and look for overheats, over RPM events, error codes, etc.

As for the GYB drystack, I kept my 38 Fountain there and it's dirtier and dustier than you would think. Other than that it's OK. The security issues there were a deal breaker for our offshore rig on A dock.

As for offshore use in a bay boat, I wouldn't go too far without twin engines. Jetty runs, a few of the closer rigs, tarpon when they roll in, cobia off the anchor chains and channel markers are all legit options but the "real" offshore game out of Galveston is a 90 nautical mile proposition.